Li Ka-shing-controlled Cheung Kong Holdings is buying the portfolio of aircraft and entering the plane-leasing market as part of a broader effort to diversify away from Hong Kong.

Cheung Kong Holdings has agreed to buy a portfolio of aircraft for about $1.9 billion, heralding its entry into the plane leasing business as it seeks to diversify its interests beyond Hong Kong and China.

In an exchange filing on Tuesday, the company controlled by Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka-shing said the deal with GE Aviation among others reflected the group's commitment to nurture new growth through diversification and globalisation.